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NORWALK, Conn. -- Norwalk Public Schools are warning parents and students about a suspicious blue van reported near Nathan Hale Middle School, according to an email sent Tuesday afternoon.

The email, from Tony Daddona, deputy superintendent of the Norwalk Public Schools, told of two instances involving a dark blue van approaching or following students. The incidents occurred last week on Strawberry Hill Avenue and on Tuesday morning on Walter Avenue, he said.

Nathan Hale Middle School is located at 176 Strawberry Hill Ave., near Interstate 95.

Children are urged to be cautious, not speak to strangers and walk to school in groups.

"I'm disappointed to hear this via email at the end of the day after school closes," said one parent. "I would like to hear something from the police department."

Here is the full text of the email from Norwalk on Tuesday:

"We wanted to make you aware of two separate reports from students about being approached or followed in the area of Nathan Hale Middle School by adults in a dark blue van.

"Although not reported until yesterday, the first instance occurred last week along Strawberry Hill Avenue, near the I-95 overpass. In this situation, a student reported that the driver asked her to approach him in the van. The student made the right choice to continue walking, and the driver then turned around and left the area.

"This morning a student reported that while walking to school along Walter Avenue, there appeared to be a similarly described van following her.

"We are again asking all our schools to talk with students about basic rules for staying safe, and urging students not to talk to unfamiliar adults who approach them. We are encouraging students who walk to school to do so in groups or near others whenever possible. If they are approached, they should keep walking and not stop to talk to strangers, whether they are in vehicles or on foot. Any potential incidents should be reported immediately to the police or school principal. We ask parents to also reinforce these lessons at home as well, with children of all ages.

"For adults in our community, we encourage you not to approach children you do not know, for any reason. Even a request for directions can alarm a child when it comes from an unfamiliar adult.

"These incidents have been reported to the School Resource Officer who provides coverage for our middle schools, and the Norwalk Police Department, which is investigating. If there is any additional information, we will let you know."